Home security essentials: January 2012

Combat Frizzy Hair With These Essential Tips

Frizzy hair doesn't discriminate. It plagues both the thin and thick haired alike. If your hair has even the slightest wave or curl, it's susceptible to frizz. This article details the six critical things you can do to launch a full-on assault on those unruly frizzies...along with a list of things not to do.

INTERNAL FACTORS--Our circulatory systems deliver oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, which keeps hair growing healthy and strong. Make sure you're getting enough of the nutritional requirements for smooth, shiny locks. These include:

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Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids, Evening Primrose Oil, Lecithin, Silica, Vitamin B8 (Biotin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid), Protein, and Water

KEEP IT COOL--I'm lumping 2 cooling techniques into one category here. Both are equally important. Coolness combats frizzies by closing down the cuticle (outer) layer of each hair strand. And of course, heat has the opposite effect, obliterating moisture and amplifying frizz. So cool your hair in these two ways:

- A cool rinse (with either just water or vinegar/water) will close down the cuticle and add shine.

- After heat styling with a blowdryer, use the cool shot button on your hair dryer to cool down the section you're working with. That will increase the curl or volume you're creating and amplify the shine!

SQUEEZE, DON'T RUB--When towel drying your hair, resist rubbing or creating any sort of friction. The best method for drying frizzy hair is to use a hand towel and squeeze the hair up from ends to roots.

KEEP IT TRIMMED--Surely you've heard it before, but it warrants repeating...regular trims prevent split ends. It's stressed so often because of the nature of splitting hairs...they continue on up the hair strand, which exacerbates the frizz. And, once the hairs have split, the only way to repair the damage is to cut the hair above the split. So if it's a bounty of smooth curls you desire, trim it up at least every two months.

PROTECT IT--Nature's elements can wreak havoc on frizzy hair. Sun, wind, and environmental humidity are the main culprits. Here's what you can do to defend against the harshness of the elements.

Humidity Control--Use an anti-humectant pomade to help repel water from the atmosphere. Conversely, too arid of an environment can contribute to frizz by drying out the hair too much. In that case, use a humectant pomade. Aveda makes both...keeps the invisible forces of nature from messin' with your mane.

Sun/Wind Protection--Get yourself a stylin' straw hat, bandana, or scarf to shield your hair from the harsh effects of sun and wind. Always cover your hair in tanning beds...just wrap it in a towel. Some styling products contain SPF's, although their effectiveness is debatable.

PRODUCTS AND TREATMENTS--Product companies are clamoring for your dollars, continuously launching "new improved" products which promise to quell your frizzies once and for all. Here are some tips for wading through the claims and finding the right products.

Try a pre-shampooing treatment like "The Strokes" by LUSH Cosmetics, which sheathes your locks in all manner of goodies like beer, yeast, and olive oil. This treatment is applied before you shampoo so it keeps the cleansing agents from stripping away all the necessary oils from your hair.

Conditioning Products--If your hair is on the thick side, use conditioners formulated to "smooth". They'll deposit a friendly film on the hair strands, adding weight and smoothing at the same time. On fine hair, however, the friendly film becomes more of a foe as it can add too much weight. In this case, use a daily conditioner formulated for colored hair. That'll ensure your hair gets some extra moisture, without trading frizz for flatness.

Maximize the benefits of your conditioner! Keep a dry face cloth or hand towel nearby and, after shampooing, squeeze all the excess moisture from your hair into the towel. Then apply the conditioner. It'll keep the product from becoming diluted by the water already in your hair, increasing it's effectiveness.

Leave-In Conditioners--Ordinarily, the concept of applying a slimy coating on your hair may seem unappealing...when it comes to nixing the frizz, however, slime is the ticket. Not just any slime, though, try Sebastian's "Potion 9" for a leave-in conditioning treatment that'll sooth your frazzled strands and offer just a touch of hold. I'm not sure how the folks at Sebastian will feel about me touting their product as a slime-fix. I really do mean it in the nicest way possible.

Styling Products--Here's the truth. There does not exist a styling product that is going to smooth/straighten your hair in the miraculous way demonstrated in the ads. Surely this is not news to you and I'm certain you've got a cupboard full of cast-away "smoothers" to prove it. Cream styling products help condition the hair and silicones can disguise the frizz, but both need to be used in combination with the right styling techniques.

Color Glossing--Products like Sebastian ColourShines have a sealing effect on the hair, and dramatically amplify the shine. Great for frizzy hair! If you're not looking to change the color of your hair, go for a clear gloss...same benefits, no commitment.

THINGS TO AVOID--Scan the list of "Don'ts" below to make sure you're not unknowingly contributing to the problem.

Fine tooth combs and brushes

Excessive heat styling

Touching hair while it's drying

High alcohol content in styling products (firm hold gels and hairsprays)

Any sort of friction on the hair

Consider yourself armed with sufficient knowledge to challenge the frizz and come out victorious. Combine all of the tips here for best results...and visit my website for detailed information on styling curly hair.

Combat Frizzy Hair With These Essential Tips

About the Author - Michelle Schill is the founder and webmaster of Style Hair Magazine, which offers hair style and hair color techniques and advice. Plus hair trends, hair style photos and new hair style ideas.

Social Security Benefits: When Should You Apply

If you are considering applying for your Social Security retirement benefits, knowing when your first check will arrive will help you transition your budget. Knowing when to apply and when your first check will arrive will make your life and your budget less stressful. Here is what you need to know about applying for your Social Security retirement benefits.

If you are going to be retiring and starting your Social Security benefits, the earliest you can start receiving a check is age 62. If you are planning on applying at age 62, the earliest you can apply for benefits is three months prior to your 62nd birthday. You will need to call Social Security's toll-free number and schedule an appointment at this time. Three months is the typical processing time for Social Security to get its cogs going and start your payments.

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When will you receive your first check? Your first month of eligibility for Social Security at age 62 is the month after your birthday. If you turn 62 on August 15th for example, your first month of eligibility is September. Social Security benefits are paid one month behind, so you will receive your first payment for the month of September in October. This is useful information to help you prepare your budget.

To learn more about Social Security benefits and Medicare, visit the website "Social Security Laid Bare" using the links below.

Social Security Benefits: When Should You Apply

Jack Burton specializes in helping people understand Social Security programs for Retirement, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Disability Benefits. The website Social Security Laid Bare presents information on all of Social Security’s programs in an easy to read format, without technical jargon. For more information visit Social Security Laid Bare: http://www.socialsecuritylaidbare.com

RV Security

Many people don't realize how important it is to install security devices on their RV or motor home. Think about it just for a second- which makes a better target for thieves, an older-model car, or an expensive-looking motor home stocked with electronics, jewelry, and other high-value possessions? For a criminal, the choice is easy. How can you protect your RV from the range of security threats that may befall it?

First, install door and window alarms on all access points to the RV. These alarms will let off a loud beep when they are opened without first disarming them. This will quickly alert you to anyone trying to break in.

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Although many people keep their RV near their home, others opt to keep it in a storage facility when not in use. Always investigate the security offered by the facility. Are identities checked before people are allowed to enter the storage area? Are there security officers who routinely patrol the RV storage area? For the best security, look for secure storage surrounded by high fences and protected with security cameras, bright security lights, and a gate that is passcode-protected.

RV security doesn't stop when you leave home. While traveling in your RV, there are additional security precautions to consider. Be very cautious where you choose to park your RV. Avoid staying overnight at rest stops, which tend to be deserted, making them an attractive place for criminals. If you stop at a rest stop, make it a short break during daylight hours. Lock the RV, even though you aren't going very far from it, and always leave someone in or close to the RV. Don't open the RV door for everyone, even if they are wearing an official-looking uniform.

Many RV travelers make the mistake of leaving their RV unlocked, and even the keys in the ignition and their wallet in the center console, when they get out at a gas station or rest stop. Remember, an RV is even less secure than your regular car because it is so attractive to thieves. Get in the habit of locking the door anytime you leave the RV.

This same principle applies to the RV when you have reached your destination. Whether you're in a deserted campground or a large RV park, everyone is a stranger. Your neighbors won't look twice at a stranger entering your RV, because they have no idea who belongs there and who doesn't. Whenever possible, travel in groups so that you'll have more people around to keep an eye on your RV and your belongings.

Even if your RV doors are locked and you don't see anyone suspicious around, keep the curtains or blinds closed, and all valuables out of sight. When you're camping, it's all too easy to leave your jewelry sitting on a counter in the RV, the door unlocked, and the window wide open. As much as we like to believe that campgrounds are 100% safe and secure, this is not a good idea. The same goes for any camping equipment that people often leave lying around outside their RV. These should all be kept inside the RV, with all doors to storage locked and alarmed.

Although RVs are statistically safer than a house or apartment, this doesn't mean that they are immune from the threat of break-ins. An RV typically has no security devices installed except for the lock on the door, which is all too often left unlocked. Consider these safety precautions whether traveling in your RV or storing it over the winter months.

RV Security

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Roller Shutters Or Security Shutters For Your Business?

When we think of modern door shutters, we think of industrial strength metal doors attached to vulnerable mediums such as glass. The shutters can be fairly easy on the eye, but some still give some sense of protection without being overly aggressive. The main purpose of security shutters is for protection from people trying to get in, or even ram raiders using cars. A lot of security shutters can give the impression of a dangerous area and this if often true.

Roller shutters are perhaps slightly less obtrusive as they can be automatically rolled up during the day to give the impression that they were not even there in the first place. The older style of roller shutters were often rolled down manually using a chain or just on tracks. The old style of shutter still exists, but automatic ones are more sought after in this day and age of automation.

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Most security shutters and roller shutters are made from aluminum which is lightweight but also hard to penetrate at the same time. No oil or grease is needed to keep the shutters in operation and here are many options available for different types of slats finished and controls.

Modern security shutters can be a much cheaper option to electric roller shutters overall but if its time saving devices that you need, then I would recommend electric shutters. In both cases, I would recommend purchasing lightweight aluminum shutters as anything else will be cumbersome and not as protective as they could be.

Roller Shutters Or Security Shutters For Your Business?

rolling security grilles

security shutters

How Can I Protect My Home From Thieves?

Before we discuss outdoor wireless security cameras there are a few essentials that we need to be aware of. Many burglaries are opportunistic crimes by taking a few simple steps you can reduce your chances of being robbed by making your house look as difficult as possible to break into.

Make sure that there is nothing of any value visible from the windows when you go out. For example don't leave your wallet or MP3 player on the table even if you're only quickly visiting the neighbours. Always lock your doors and close and lock windows even if you think you'll only be away for five minutes. Mostly due to film and television it's very easy to think that burglaries happen at night but most of them occur in the daytime. If you think about it logically the daytime is where most people are at work, at night most people are back home. Often when I go I also leave the radio on, you always want to make it look as if the house is occupied whether your work or going on holiday for two weeks. Finally another important thing to remember is to make sure that your tools and ladders are locked away securely in a shed or garage and can't be used against you.

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Once we've taken care of the basics we can start thinking about more elaborate forms of protection. Different studies have shown that the burglar alarm will reduce your chances of being broken into. Alarms can be either standalone or wired up to a centralised monitoring system, usually the alarm companies own servers. Standalone alarms were just sound a siren inside and outside the house without notifying any other authorities. Alarms can be triggered in several ways. The first is to have wired connections going to doors and windows which time the alarm when the connection is broken this can be either broken by forcing the window open or by breaking the glass. The second went along can be triggered is when a motion sensor detects movement in the house typically hallways, bedrooms and living areas etc covered with motion sensors. As with all things cost is an issue is very expensive to buy up every window and door, and to put motion sensors guarding every room. Many alarms can also be zoned. So for example you might turn the alarm on downstairs what you go to bed but leave it off upstairs in case he needs to move around at night.

The next level up after alarms is to use surveillance cameras. These cameras, also known as security cameras, transmit a signal either wirelessly or over a cable act will monitor somewhere in the house where you can see who or what is approaching. Naturally you will want to spend all day watching this monitor but you can record the picture, in case you need to review it later or use special motion sensing software to sound a warning when someone is moving within the field of vision of the camera. Of course the real benefit of security cameras is that they act as a deterrent and by making them clearly visible on and around your home it makes you much less likely to be targeted. To this end outdoor wireless security cameras are very good because they can be positioned away from the house attached to gates where they are very clearly visible. Of course this is very expensive book fake security cameras could be an option for you as long as they're good enough to pass for the real thing.

How Can I Protect My Home From Thieves?

You can learn more about what to consider when buying an outdoor wireless security camera at this site, or if you're budget can't stretch to real cameras what about fake security cameras?

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Home Security System Options - Motion Detectors

Many horror movies create suspense by having the main character blissfully unaware that there is a monster, serial killer or thief in their home. If only these characters had installed a motion detector, they would have known someone (or something) was lurking in their home.

Motion detectors can serve many purposes in protecting your home. Many homes have outdoor lights with sensors that will only come on when someone is walking near them. These lights also deter burglars who lurk near homes at night searching for a way to get in and steal, and even worse yet, terrorize the home's occupants. It is proven fact that burglars will run away when seen under the lights.

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Many earlier models of outdoor motion detectors were actually costing homeowners money when they were triggered by sunlight. Police and fire personnel in most cities will fine homeowners for false alarms after a certain number of them. Newer models have been developed that are not sensitive to the sun and cut down on the number of false alarms. They can also be equipped with recorded messages. These messages can be pre-recorded and are played through the detector to warn the burglar not to come any closer because the police will be called.

Many motion detectors will be linked to a camera, which will begin recording whenever someone has been detected. Hopefully, the intruder will run away and by capturing his image on the motion detector, police can catch him or her before they are able to burglarize a home or worse yet, attack a family.

Infrared technology has improved motion detectors and increased safety in businesses and homes. These will sense any movement inside or outside the home. For example, if someone manages to disable your burglar alarm and is able to get inside your home the motion sensor will go off, alerting you that someone is there. The sensor will also alert the alarm company and the police will be sent to your home.

While infrared motion detectors have deterred thieves from many homes, it has also spurred complaints from homeowners who have pets. Many families have been awakened in the night when a dog or cat has managed to get inside or escape from a safe room and is detected by the sensors. This problem has been somewhat solved by new ones that have are immune to small pets. They are often part of an overall home security package. This makes them more affordable for homeowners looking for a way to ensure the safety of their family.

Home Security System Options - Motion Detectors

Security Choice is an ADT Home Security authorized company. Don't you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved ones and possessions are being guarded by ADT, the leader in home security systems?

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9 Effective Ways to Increase Your Home Security

Although a home alarm system is probably the single best measure that you can have implemented when it comes to securing your home, there are actually a lot of other things you can do too. Most of these measures are fairly inexpensive as well. The key to their effectiveness is the fact that criminals tend to take the path of least resistance. If you're home goes the extra mile, criminals will take notice and move on to find a target that has completely ignored its security. That's why the following measures can be so helpful.

1. First and foremost, you should try to maintain a clean and tidy home. Appearances matter in the realm of home security and if it looks like homeowners care enough about their belongings to put them away, then a criminal may think that the house has some security surprises in store for them. Besides, with all your stuff laying around, it might be hard to notice when things go missing. Criminals may know this and try to pick off what they can.

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2. Surprising to many people, criminals like going in through your front door. That's why it pays to secure it in the best ways you can, but start with appearances. If your door has a window, consider removing it or at least placing a curtain on it so no one can peer inside and start thinking criminal thoughts.

3. You should also have a peephole installed on your front door if you don't have one already. It helps appearances by letting criminals know you're aware that danger is out there and that you don't just let anyone into your house. It is also useful if you want to avoid opening your door to an annoying neighbor.

4. Install a deadbolt on your front door. This essential and inexpensive home security measure pretty much guarantees no will be entering through that door while you're inside the house. It is both tamper-proof and effective.

5. Make sure all of your door locks are in good working order. Go around your house and see which locks might need to be replaced and install new high quality locks where necessary. The same goes for window locks.

6. Protect your backyard by employing the services of a trusty watchdog. Dogs have heightened senses of smell and hearing, as well as territorial natures. Once placed in your backyard and allowed some time to acclimate, it will instinctively start to protect its new home against any invaders and prowlers.

7. Another great and simple home security measure involves installing motion-activated flood lights all around your home. Criminals like working in the dark, but as soon as their actions are illuminated they usually take off running.

8. Although not the most aesthetically pleasing sight, you can have security bars installed on all of your windows. Glass is easy to break and because of that criminals will sometimes try to enter your home through a window. If they're reinforced with rod-iron, you can be sure that won't ever happen.

9. Place a home alarm system company sign on your front lawn. It will scare most criminals away. Better yet, actually utilize such a system. They're both extremely effective and more affordable than ever before.

9 Effective Ways to Increase Your Home Security

If you'd like to learn more about what makes such systems so useful, listen to what the ADT Home Alarm Exerts have to say. They're keenly aware of how important it is to have an alarm system for the home.

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Motion Sensor Alarms - Essential Home Security Devices

If you are looking to fortify your home defenses through the use of today's many electronic security devices then I am sure you already know how confusing things can get while shopping around for the most suitable system for your particular needs. The simple fact is that you need to sort through a lot of choices when it comes to implementing an electronic-based home defense system.

The good news, however, is that you do not really need to be confused because good security systems will employ the same principles and strategies in helping you defend your home against intruders and thieves. Most systems work on the principle of detecting intruders that are making their move against your home and executing appropriate actions depending on what the system has been programmed to execute. This actually means that all you need to protect your home against those trying to access it illegally is to have an early warning system that aims to alert you the second such attempts happen within the premises of your property or home.

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One of the simplest and most effective devices that can help you with this is the motion sensor alarm. A motion sensor alarm is a device that watches over certain parts of a home or property and tries to detect potential attempts to gain access into it. These sensors are triggered whenever it detects something that moves within its coverage areas. Upon detection, they promptly execute pre-programmed actions like sounding off a loud alarm that aims to notify the property owner about the potentially suspicious activity happening within the property's vicinity. Some models offer a silent alarm feature that automatically notifies alarm monitoring service providers that the home owner may have engaged to help secure his or her home.

The truth of the matter is that you don't really need to buy expensive and fancy gadgetry to protect your home from outsiders, sometimes simple and cheap yet effective motion sensor alarms will suffice in serving your security needs 99% of the time.

Motion Sensor Alarms - Essential Home Security Devices

If you are curious about motion sensor alarms and wish to find out more, please read the author's article about cheap security alarms for apartments and homes.

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Home Security Systems - The Three Different Types

Has your house ever been broken into? Have you ever experience how it's like to have your valuable items taken from you? I have. Let me tell you that it's a most depressing and demoralizing one. Fortunately with the help of technology, you can prevent this from happening to you. As the saying goes "prevention is better than cure". But before you march into the security hardware store, you need to know the different types of home security systems first. There are generally three types of home security systems. They are:

1. Hardwired Security System
These kinds of system uses cables and wires that have low voltage. They require the services of professionals to be installed onto the walls and flooring of the house. All the cables and wires lead to a main panel somewhere in the home. There are also remote keypads and sirens installed in various different locations of the home. The best time to install these types of system is during the construction of the house because it would easier to wire the system through the floors and walls. If however installation takes place anytime after the construction of the house, the price can be very costly due to the labor involved.

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2. Wireless Security System
These systems are commonly used in car alarms, door alarms, wireless motion detectors and more. Just as the name implies, these systems do not use any kind of wiring at all unlike the hardwired security system. Because of this, this system is extremely mobile and flexible. They can be placed anywhere in a room or any area in your property. These systems utilizes infrared sensors, acoustic sensors, or sometimes even both. They also can be attached a light sensor, making it look like everything at home is normal.

3. Web Connected Security Systems
This system, as the name implies, is connected to the web. This setup enables you to keep a track of your security system from any computer that is connected to the internet in your home or work. By controlling your security system from a computer, you can arrange for alert messages to be sent to your e-mail or pager in the event that there is something wrong with your system. If you have the technical know how, you can even setup the system to send messages via satellite.

Those are the three general types of home security systems. It is a good idea to pick the one suits your needs best. It may be costly to invest in a good home security system, but the benefits these systems bring will far outweigh any monetary value.

Home Security Systems - The Three Different Types

To get more info on wireless home security alarm systems, visit http://wirelesshomesecurityalarmsystem.blogspot.com/.

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Brand Protection - Controlling All Aspects of Your Brand

Brand protection is the key to ensuring that your business remains profitable and successful. Controlling all aspects of your brand is an essential part of protecting it and intellectual property protection is about proactive and constant exploitation. Brands are the most important asset to a business organisation and the need to protect them from imitation, unauthorised copying, and unfair competition is all the more necessary. It is important for those seeking to protect their brand to fully understand the different aspects of legal measures they can take including copyright, patents, trademarks, and designs.

Copyright is basically the first step in this form of protection. As soon as you put an original idea down on paper you can prevent others from copying it. You cannot stop others using your idea, just the physical expression of it so you will not receive protection until you turn your idea into a tangible form. When looking to copyright your idea it is essential that you keep a record of all drafts, notes and iterations and date them so you can prove it is yours. If your business or product is distinctive it is definitely advisable to register it at your Intellectual Property Office. This is the best way to protect your trademark and/or registered name rather than relying on the Fair Trading Act or common law rules. Registration of your trademark also works as a deterrent as it shows to everyone your ownership of the mark.

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Designs are usually protected by copyright but it is also very helpful to register your designs with the Intellectual Property Office. The advantage of registration gives you the right to stop others using your design even if they didn't copy it but came up with the design independently. This ensures that your brand is fully protected from competition and deters others from putting something on the market that is too similar to your product. You also need to make sure that you secure your name early even if you do not want to use it at the time. Not securing your trademark and/or registered name early can be the start of many legal battles and hindrances that will set your business back in the long run. Websites are often the only point of contact between businesses and potential clients and it is important to make sure your website outlines what other people can and cannot replicate and your general trade terms. When it comes to brand protection a holistic approach is absolutely vital.

Brand Protection - Controlling All Aspects of Your Brand

If you would like more information on how to trademark a name, trademark registration or brand protection in New Zealand we invite you to take a look at our website: www.ipol.co.nz

Basic Home Security

Home security does not have to mean a team of people that patrol your home nor does it have to mean a plethora of high tech gadgets aimed to deter the common criminal. Just by getting back to the home security basics, you can protect your property, both inside and outside of your home.

The first way to take it back to home security basics is to increase the lighting around your home. Add lighting to any areas where a person may be able to hide near your home, as well as areas of access like doors and windows.

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Even when you add lighting, it does not have to detract from the beauty of your home. In fact, many people who purchase and install landscaping lights do so because of the added protection to their home. Other types of lights that can be added are motion activated lighting.

Motion activated lights are a great way to ward off a thief, but they are also a perfect way to light your way into the house when you come home after dark. While this does help protect you from anyone that may be lurking around your home, it also makes sure you are able to clearly see your path, and anything that may be in the way, so that you do not trip and fall on your way to the door.

Another way to get utilize home security basics is to increase the amount of time it would take an intruder to enter your home. While you never want to make it difficult for you to enter your own home on a daily basis, you do want to make it as difficult as possible for someone else to enter it without permission, including all doors and windows.

One way to add to your home security basics is to install a dead bolt lock or other type of lock to your door. The average lock only takes a swipe of a credit card through the gap between the door and the frame to allow someone into your home. Entry of this manner would not even prove a forced entry should you need to file a police report.

When it comes to home security basics, noise is another type of natural deterrent for a person about to rob a home. Whether it is an animal, a person, or an alarm, any indication that a thief may be detected will likely make them move on to something else.

If a thief hears noise, they are sure to believe that it is only a matter of time before they are caught or that they will leave empty-handed, which will be a waste of their time. Noise can also be an effective way to alert you of anyone trying to enter the house, so that you may adequately protect and prepare yourself for any possibilities.

Home security basics do not have to include an expensive security system. However, it also does not mean that a security system is not a basic necessity for those who would like to protect their home.

Basic Home Security

For more information about home security and alarm monitoring visit www.securitychoice.com

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